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Students repaid in full after being scammed out of accommodation money, court hears

Summary

In a case heard in May 2024, Judge Sarah Berkeley sentenced 26‑year‑old Martin Awoke to a two‑year suspended sentence after he fully repaid students who were defrauded of €9,820 for accommodation in Limerick. Awoke, who had no prior convictions, had allowed his bank account to be used in the scheme but did not participate in its planning. He pleaded guilty to handling the proceeds of crime on 12 August 2022. The court noted that Awoke had previously saved €10,000, spent €3,000 on bills, and had been directed to pay €7,000 to the investigating Garda. After a job interview and a commitment to raise the remaining balance, Awoke repaid the full amount, submitted apologies, and requested time to arrange compensation with family support. Judge Berkeley declined to remove the conviction, citing the impact on the victims, and imposed the suspended sentence under strict conditions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Students repaid in full after being scammed out of accommodation money, court hears. Charges or matters: handling the proceeds of crime on August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 2024 Adjournment
• August 12, 2022 Adjournment
• 2025-07-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report